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Monthly Archives: May 2017

Saline Breast Implants Can Deflate

Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. informs all breast augmentation patients that they will most likely need breast revision surgery at least once in their life. All breast implants can rupture, some within a few months, some after many years. Saline implants usually deflate quickly, and the saline will be absorbed by the body. In most cases, a deflated saline implant is harmless unless there are bacteria or fungus in the implant which can cause an infection and require immediate attention.

If you have a saline implant that deflates, it will be obvious; it will look like a deflated balloon. See your surgeon right away.

Ruptured Silicone Implants Can be Dangerous

Silicone implants that rupture may not be evident for many years and sometimes are not discovered until they are removed. When a silicone implant ruptures, if you are lucky, the silicone will remain inside the capsule (the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant) making removal easier.

A more difficult situation is when the silicone leaks outside of the capsule and might migrate to areas of the body that are impossible to remove such as the lymph nodes, under the arms, the lungs or other major organs. Migrating silicone may cause lumps in the breast, armpits, or other areas. It is imperative to have the implant and silicone removed as quickly as possible before the silicone can travel inside the body.

Possible causes of a ruptured breast implant are:
• A fall or intense physical pressure on the implants
• Compression from a mammogram
• Capsular contracture
• Damage from surgical instruments
• Aging of the implants

Silent Rupture Only Detected by an MRI

Silicone implants may not show any evidence of a leak, known as a “silent rupture,” the FDA recommends women have an MRI 3 years after the initial surgery and then every 2 years after that.

It is much harder to remove ruptured silicone implants than it was to put them in. Your original surgeon may not be the best choice for revision surgery. Many surgeons are very experienced in breast augmentation, but many are not skilled for explantation, and many results are disastrous.

Ask that the removal is done ‘en bloc’ which means the implant and all of the scar tissue surrounding it is removed as there can be bacteria or chemicals from the implant remaining.

Choose a Breast Revision Expert for Removal/Replacement

If you are having your implants removed or replaced be sure you seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will show you before and after pictures of their patients.

Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D., a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, is an expert in breast revision surgery since 1989, if you are having any issues with your breasts, call (415) 898-4161 for a consultation today!